'T Derde deel van 't Licht der zee-vaert, inhoudende de beschryvinghe der zeecusten van de Middelandtsche...

everything that might serve for the advancement and assistance of sailors in this regard, and, according to my promises, after previous mature examination, I have brought it to light in this my Third part of the Light of Navigation. I hold myself—without speaking with pride—sufficiently assured that the utility of this will be no less than that of our two previous parts, containing the description of the Eastern and Western navigation, of which your Excellency has had sufficient proof at other times by reputable certificates of many notable helmsmen, and also by the declaration of the famous pilot Lucas Wagenaer himself. And because these and similar works are little esteemed by those who do not understand them, and your Excellency surely knows that maritime trade, consisting of the transport, exchange, and sale of all sorts of goods and merchandise, is the pith and the root of the rise and flourishing of these Netherlands, due to the excellent opportunities of harbors, rivers, and streams with which they are wonderfully blessed by God Almighty, as well as the innate adventurousness and sailing desire of the merchants and sailors thereof: I have neither been able nor willing to refrain from offering and dedicating this my labor, with heartfelt affection, to your Excellency as patrons and supreme guardians and lovers of this praiseworthy, delightful, and nationally beneficial art and science, with the intention of later—at the first opportunity—bringing the Fourth Part, dealing with the far-off sea coasts of Guinea, Brazil, and the Indies, to light as well. Herewith,

Powerful, Noble, Honorable, Wise, and very Provident Lords, and Illustrious High-born Prince, I pray God Almighty to grant your Excellency long-lasting health and prosperous governance. Dated in Amsterdam, the first of September, 1618.